Field Deployment Manager

SUMMARY:
A Global International Defense company is seeking a Seasoned and experienced Field Deployment Manager to join their ranks. This fantastic opportunity to join a fast-growing company that is located in Cape Town and offers huge potential growth.

CPT | Permanent | On-site 

POSITION INFO:
Summary of job:

As a Field Deployment Manager, you will oversee the seamless execution of deployment operations, from daily scheduling to long-term strategic planning. A crucial aspect of your role involves building and nurturing relationships with different ranks within the military and host entities to facilitate smooth operations. By coordinating logistics, ensuring effective communication, and fostering strong partnerships, the Field Deployment Manager plays a crucial role in achieving mission success and maintaining operational readiness.

Key responsibilities / main job duties:

1. Planning

• Planning and Forecasting: Strategically plan the week and month, meticulously considering critical factors such as weather conditions, resource availability, and operational requirements to optimize schedules.
• Crew Deployment Coordination: Facilitate the deployment process by effectively requesting and coordinating crew members, ensuring adequate staffing levels to meet project demands while adhering to established timelines and protocols.
• Support Interaction: Maintain comprehensive logs of all support interactions, including enquiries, requests, and issue resolutions, to track progress, identify trends, and enhance operational efficiency.
• External Communication and Collaboration: Establish and maintain effective communication channels with stakeholders, particularly liaising with Cape Town to stay abreast of status of system and flight tests, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment of deployment activities.

• Personnel Supervision and Goal Setting: Provide strategic leadership in managing personnel within the hangar facility by setting clear, measurable daily, weekly, and monthly goals aligned with organizational objectives, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Task Assignment and Productivity Optimization: Implement systematic task assignment methodologies to optimize productivity, ensuring tasks are clearly defined, delegated, and executed efficiently. Address any obstacles hindering task completion promptly, providing guidance and support as needed to mitigate challenges and maintain operational momentum.

• Collaboration with the South African Air Force (SAAF): Overtime forecasting and coordination by anticipating and scheduling future overtime requirements, proactively planning resource allocation and workload distribution to accommodate operational needs and ensure workforce readiness.
• Resource Coordination and Safety Measures: Facilitate collaboration with the SAAF team, arranging assistance and coordinating resources as necessary to support deployment operations, including requesting fire escorts to enhance safety protocols and mitigate risks during critical operations.

• Flight Slot Management and Military Protocol Adherence: Execute meticulous planning and coordination in the booking of flight slots, ensuring seamless integration with military protocols and addressing personnel according to their respective ranks and roles. Employing a methodical approach, prioritize and allocate flight slots in alignment with operational requirements and hierarchical considerations, fostering a culture of respect and adherence to established military customs and courtesies.
• Timely Communication and Incident Management: Facilitate transparent and timely communication on the status of flights, providing stakeholders with comprehensive updates and actionable insights to support informed decision-making. Utilize clear and concise messaging to convey critical information.

• Strategic Communication and Incident Management: Establish and maintain robust communication channels with air traffic control (ATC) personnel, ensuring the seamless exchange of critical information regarding planned flights and operational updates. Adhere to established protocols and procedures for transmitting flight plans, coordinating airspace access, and obtaining necessary clearances, demonstrating professionalism and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Proactive Incident Response: Exercise sound judgment and decision-making in the event of accidents or incidents during flight testing, orchestrating timely and effective responses to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of personnel and assets. Collaborate closely with ATC authorities to assess the situation, evaluate potential courses of action, and implement appropriate contingency measures, prioritizing safety, and operational integrity at all times.

• Operational Meetings: Actively participate in morning Operational meetings, contributing insights, updates, and strategic recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making and alignment of deployment activities with broader organizational goals.
• Host Communication and Relationship Management: Utilize advanced project management skills to communicate effectively with host entities, providing comprehensive updates, challenges, and resource requirements, while proactively building and nurturing positive relationships to foster collaboration and support.
• Resource Mobilization and Support: Strategically engage with host entities to request assistance and resources as needed, leveraging strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to advocate for organizational needs and facilitate timely resolution of operational challenges, ensuring seamless execution of deployment activities and mission success.

• Possession of a National Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Preference will be given to candidates holding qualifications in Management and/or Project Management, demonstrating capability in overseeing and coordinating complex operations effectively.
• An AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) license is considered advantageous, showcasing specialised expertise in aviation-related functions.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Electronics or Mechanical fields is essential, indicating a robust foundation of knowledge and proficiency in relevant technical domains.
• Candidates must hold a valid Code 8 driver’s license and have access to their own transportation, facilitating mobility and flexibility in fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Proficiency in an ERP system is required, reflecting competency in utilizing technology for streamlined operational management and data analysis.
• Sound familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Quality Assurance standards, Logistics principles, and Aviation regulations would be advantageous, highlighting a commitment to compliance and best practices in the industry.